The Minister of Works, Mr. Dave Umahi, has defended the proposed Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project against criticism from former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking on Tuesday during an inspection of ongoing federal government road projects in Port Harcourt, Rivers and Aba, Abia states, Umahi stated that Atiku does not understand the process of coastal and long kilometer road construction, which is why he criticized a project yet to commence.
The Explainer had earlier reported that Atiku recently expressed reservations regarding the proposed Lagos-Calabar highway project, suggesting that the project should have started from the South rather than the West.
He alleged that the project appears dubious and bears all the hallmarks of a white elephant project.
In a statement released by his media aide, Paul Ibeh, Atiku argued that if the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar coastal highway plan were genuine, it should have commenced from Calabar. He insinuated that the project might be another attempt to merely cajole the people.
Umahi, in response to Atiku’s criticism, stated that if the former Vice President believes there is something wrong with the procurement of the project, he should approach him as an expert and Minister overseeing the planned project, rather than troubling the President with unconfirmed figures.
Umahi, who is also a former governor of Ebonyi state and an experienced engineer on road construction, promised to explain the project properly to Atiku and Nigerians during a world press conference to be held in Lagos. He stated, “Atiku does not understand figures…you have to pardon him.”
Umahi also spoke on the benefits of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, stating that it is not just a coastal road but also a project that ties the entire country together. He expressed satisfaction over the ongoing rehabilitation road projects in Rivers and Abia states and commended the contractors for adhering to advice on solid construction.
The Minister warned that if the pace of the Eleme-Onne section of the East-West road rehabilitation does not increase, he might assign a portion of the road to another contractor.
He concluded by stating that he would run the figures for Atiku to understand, emphasizing that this is his field and he is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in this field.
